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To ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the IOA has appointed Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, a former Election Commissioner of Delhi and Chandigarh, to serve as the Returning Officer. Srivastava will be responsible for supervising the elections for the Executive Council, the Athletes' Commission, and the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) category, adhering to the National Sports Governance Act of 2025 and the amended IOA Constitution.
A Structured Path to Governance
The electoral roadmap is already underway, with the process for the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit having commenced on September 18. Interested candidates have until October 18 to submit their applications and supporting documentation. Following this, the IOA will finalize the roster based on the eligibility criteria established under the current national sports governance framework.
Simultaneously, the focus is shifting toward the Athletes' Commission for the 2026-2030 term. The commission is set to feature 10 elected members, split equally between men and women, with specific provisions for athletes who have achieved success at major competitions. National Sports Federations are required to submit their athlete representative nominations by October 11, with the final polling and declaration of results for this commission slated for November 3.
Usha Emphasizes Transparency and Future Ambitions
IOA president
Looking toward the future, these governance reforms arrive as India positions itself as a contender to host the 2036 Olympic Games. With Ahmedabad identified as a potential host city, the IOA is currently in dialogue with the International Olympic Committee. Usha noted that building robust, athlete-centric institutions remains a cornerstone of the nation's broader Olympic aspirations as it competes with other interested nations, including Germany, Qatar, and South Africa, to secure the hosting rights.
